Quinoa Salad with Shaved Raw Vegetables and Carrot-Ginger Dressing

To us, the best salads include warm grains, raw vegetables, creamy cheese, crunchy seeds, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. This one has all that and is also so substantial and satisfying that it’s an ideal one-bowl meal for those (possibly rare) nights when it’s just you and the remote. If you’ve only eaten Brussels sprouts and asparagus cooked, you’ll be surprised at how good they are when raw and very thinly sliced. If you have one, use a mandoline or Benriner slicer to cut them, and the radishes, too; a peeler also works well with the asparagus.

Directions

For the salad

In a medium pot, combine the quinoa, broth, and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat, stir once, and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let rest, covered, for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.

Add the asparagus, radishes, sugar snaps, Brussels sprouts, oil, and a big splash of lemon juice and gently toss to combine. Add the pumpkin seeds and cheese, season with salt and pepper, then gently toss again. Check the seasonings and serve with the Carrot-Ginger Dressing. (You can toss the salad with the dressing in the bowl, but it muddies the look a bit, so we prefer to serve it on the side and let everyone help themselves.)

For the Carrot-Ginger Dressing

In a food processor or blender, combine the carrots, ginger, vinegar, miso, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. Pulse, scraping down the sides as needed, until the carrots and ginger are finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the grapeseed oil and process until the dressing is almost smooth. Quickly dip a piece of lettuce (or vegetable) in the dressing, shake off any excess, and check the seasonings. The Carrot-Ginger Dressing will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for about 1 week.

Quinoa Salad Cooking Tip

Whether they’re parents, married without kids, or single, most people want to do better at mealtime—they want to put good, nutritious food on the table, they’re looking for a more diverse repert... Read more